Thiruvanthapuram/Kollam: The condition of two survivors in the Puttingal temple fire mishap is extremely critical. The status of 13 others continue to be critical at the medical college hospital here, where as many as 53 persons are undergoing treatment.

The total number of deaths has now been brought down to 108 from the declared 113 after officials found that some names of victims were repeated.

Varkala Krishnankutty, who was given the contract for fire works, was declared dead earlier. He is now an absconder according to police sources.

Apart from deaths and physical injury, the explosion has caused severe health problems for people living in the region. Many are traumatized and mental health is a major worry.

The district health department has deployed 20 teams to give necessary aid and counselling to the people in trauma.

“We have been conducting house-to-house visits for the past five days with the help of Asha workers and other self-help groups to find people traumatized by the incident. Many people have reported losing sleep and appetite. Several others are gripped by anxiety and fear about continuing to live in their houses,” said Dr Soumya Dev, epidemiologist.

People are in a state of daze and confusion. The youngsters, who were part of rescue operation were the most hit. Many are yet to come in terms with the normal life and are yet to report back for work.

Dr Ramesh Chandran, psychiatrist from district hospital said that many of these youngsters are in shock over the loss of their friends and relatives.

However, he added that the symptoms they have found in many of the patients are acute stress reaction which can be healed in two weeks.

 

source:TOI